Cigar lighter



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A. F. JACKSON CIGAR LIGHTER Filed sept. 30, 1944 illlh Aprii 25, 195oPatented pr. 25, 1950 CIGAR LIGHTER Alfred F. Jackson, Bridgeport,Conn., assignor to Automatic Devices Corporation, Bridgeport, Conn., acorporation of Connecticut Application September 30, 1944, Serial No.556,554

S Claims.

This invention relates to electric cigar lighters, and more particularlyto lighters of the removable igniting unit type such as are used inautomobiles and the like. The subject matter of the present applicationis similar to that of applicants copending applications numbered 731,033and 731,034.

Lighters of this type generally consist of a holder or Well comprising adrawn metal shell adapted to be mounted on an instrument panel and tosupport for storage and for energization a plug-like igniting unithaving a coiled heating element, the latter when heated being applied toa cigar or lcigarette by removing the igniting unit from the holder. Inautomatically operative lighters, the igniting unit is usually stored ina shallow position in the well, and is manually moved for energizationto a deep position wherein it is retained by heat-responsive clips, thelatter automatically releasing the unit for return to shallow positionwhen the element is heated.

An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic cigarlighter of the removable igniting unit type in which the energizationand release of the igniting unit is positive and consistently reliableover an extensive period of use so that the lighter will have a longuseful life.

This is accomplished by the provision of an improved supporting, contactand detent means associated with the igniting unit and holder wherebywhen the heat-responsive clips of the lighter are engaged the individualpressures they exert on the coengaging structure are substantiallyequalized at all times until the clips release the structure, andwhereby repeated operation of the clips over an extended period of timeconsistently follows this performance.

In the illustrated preferred form of the invention the igniting unitbody, which ts comparatively loosely in the holder, has a slidablymounted non-expansible sleeve supporting the unit and engaging portionsof the holder adjacent its mouth, the mounting for the sleeve permittingthe inner end of the unit to move an extent in any lateral direction.This inner end mounts a shallow metal contact and detent cup forengagement with the heat-responsive clips carried by the holder, aheating coil being nested in the cup. By thus mounting the ignitingunit, the contact cup may readily assume a centralized position withrespect to the clips when grasped by the latter during energization ofthe element, and the clips may thereby apply equal pressures on the cup,providing for uniform current distribution and consistently uniformrelease of theta latter in response to heating of the element.Cooperating to accomplish this result is an improved contact means forthe heating element, consisting of a contractible ring carried in aperipheral groove in the igniting unit, the ring frictionally engagingthe inside of the holder. The ring is so mounted that it may iloat" andat the same time exert pressure on an adjacent metal surface of the unitconnected to the heating element, so that an effective electricalcontact is established from the heating element to the holder while atthe same time the inner end of the igniting unit and Contact cup are notprevented from moving laterally as required for centralization of thecup in the detent clips. If during installation of the lighter on aninstrument panel, the drawn shell of the holder should be deformedslightly, the above supporting and detent structure would still providefor centering of the contact cup, and therefore equalization of pressurethereon, and for free movement without sticking of the igniting unit sothat the proper functioning of the lighter would be unaffected, and itsuseful life thereby not shortened.

Contributing to long, useful life of the lighter, a construction isprovided on the shell of the holder for cooperation with the floatingcontractible ring of the igniting unit. This construction iunctions whenthe igniting unit is replaced in the holder after use, to obviateinadvertent useless reenergization of the heating element due toinsertion of the igniting unit too deeply into the holder, as is oftendone in lighters prior to this invention. Such inadvertentreenergization needlessly reheats the heating element and operates thedetent clips with accompanying arcing, thereby shortening the life spanof the lighter to this extent.

To prevent such reenergization, in the form of the invention illustratedherein the contractible ring is sized to closely approximate the normalinside diameter of the shell of the holder, so that it exerts little ifany pressure on the shell where the normal diameter exists. At aplurality of peripherally spaced points, however, the shell on itsinside walls has raised portions arranged to be frictionally engaged bythe ring, the raised portions being located so that a restraint isplaced on the igniting unit while it is being reinserted, this restraintsuddenly being discontinued at the point where the unit reaches itsshallow nonenergizing or storage position by the termination of saidraised portions. When the contractible ring re-aches this point oftermination it expands suddenly and strikes the walls of the shell,procreasing the deeper the unit is moved in the' holder, is therebyplaced on the unit at the time that the constant or xed restraint due tothe" The shallow position` contractible ring ceases. of the ignitingunit is spaced a comparatively substantial amount, by animproved'shapingof the detent clips, from the point Where it begins tobe energized by engagement with the latter" and as a result, although a"slight overshooting' of the shallow position of the igniting unit mayoccur, this is insucient to cause inadvertent re-V energization of theheating element even momentarily.

The.v above'v result is achieved in some measure by` combination oil"the change inforc'es acting on the igniting unitwhen. it reaches itsshallow' storage'position: in the holder, and the audible click. of andsensation produced by the contractiblering insuddenly expanding andstriking the larger diameter walls ofthe shell.

Providingfor eiectiverelectrical connection betweenithe'. shellA and.contr-aotible ring when the igniting unit ist-moved to deep, energizingposition, the. shell is/iormedI With resilient inwardly' biasedfingers.for. yieldably! engaging the ring at. this position, the resiliency ofthe fingers functioning tory aid; the centering of the contact cup inthe detent clipsprovided by the o'ating mountingof the ring.

rEhe combinationoi contractible floating ring,spring-urged'noneexpansible.supporting sleeve onl the' igniting unit,.together' with.. a holder shellf having on; its inside raisedrdetentportions makes the lighter of' the. present invention more convenientto'use, and this is an' important feature of the invention.rIn'operatio'n, when the igniting unit is. inserted inthe shell.. oftheholder, the restraint placed on the unit opposing such insertionisuniform and unvaryingand when theY unit-reaches itsshallow storageposition the effect of a1 definite stop is producedby.` thedisengageinent of the' ring from the raised. shell po:tionsand by thesimultaneously increased restraint placed on they unit by thespring-urged sleeve. While this action is not a positive stop, it has a.definitev stopping effect,A since a. comparativelyv uri-varyingrestraint is replaced by a stronger restraint which increases if theunit is moved inwardly.` beyond thisishallow position. Thus, reinsertionof the igniting; unit may be quickly and conveniently accomplishedwithout danger of undesired reenergization orv uncertainty as to itsposition.

- The raised portions ofv the shell, cooperating with the contractibleiioating ring or" the igniting unit,.iunction as a yieldable stop whenthe unit is automatically released from energizing position andautomatically returned to shallow position preparatory to being removed`for use. To doubly insure against the igniting unit inadvertently beingejected from the holder during its automatic. release andreturn toshallow position, the raised portions of the shell are provided adjacent' their innermost ends with grooves which provide abutting surfacesfor engagement by the contractible ring. Thus, if the restraint placedon the igniting unit by engagement of the ringV With the` innermoste'nds of the' raised portions i oi the shell is insufficient to stop theunit after it has been released and has reached the shallow or storageposition, an additional restraint is provided when the walls 01 thegrooves are engaged by the floating ring, since an abutting action takesplace when this occurs because the ring expands suddenly and strikes thegroove Walls.

Reliability oi" operationofthe. lighter is further accomplishedbymeansconfiningthe space surrounding the heating element While thelatter is being energized. The heat from the element is thereforeprevented from being radiated directly into the surrounding atmosphere,and is caused toact onthc heat-'responsive detent clips which grasp thecontactcup, thereby causing more reliable* response ci: the clips toheat from the element.y

The invention further provides a construction involving fewer componentparts, the parts being intertted to prevent shifting and being arrangedtol resist'vibr'ation by an assembly utilizing; welding and riveting',vas distinguished from' an: assembly involvingscrew threads. As a re`-suit, the'parts ofthe lighter are' accurately maintained in theiroriginally placed positions, resulting in more:uniform4 performance overa considerable period of time.

Other-features and advantagesfwillhereinafter appear.

Infthe accompanying drawings:

Figure: I is an axialseotional- View of thepreferred form of lighter of:the present invention, showing the. igniting unit in' shallownonenergiz'- ing orl storage position.

Fig. 2fis a substantially similarview but show--I ing` the igniting.Vunit in deep.- energizing position.

Fig.-3l is aztransverse'seotion ony the line 3 3 ofiFig. l, and;

Fig; 4 is a. transverse section-taken on the line` Thelig-hter'ofthis-inventioncomprises an igniting unit- |91 and attached heatingelement Illa slidably` mounted in a holder I-I, w-hiclimay be seouredtoaninstrument panel. I2 oi a vehicle or. the. like. The holder. I-I-comprises a drawn metal shell, I3 having. at-itsmouthanoutturnedcircular flange. le engaging; the front face of the panel` I2.`IntegralY with the shell I3 is an end WallA or closure: I5 on which ismounted in axialy alignmentwiththe shell I3 aI drawn metal cupI-Sfhaving screw threads I'I.I in itsside Walls. 'iii/ieY shell I3.` maybe. formed of brass,l and the cupv I'6.oi`.st`eel,.thebottom Iof thevcup being secure-- ly welded ata plurality of points, preferably six,toA theiendf Wall. I5 of the shelltoprovide rigid4 and. vibration.resistant compositev structure.

In order to secure the. shell I3to the panel I2 a'binding. sleeve I 9.is providedy havingv a. reduced threaded` endZl whereby it may bescrewed on the cup` I6 so. that. its large endengages the rear faceoffthe panel. I2 and. securely holds the shellV I 3 to the panel.`

The heating.. element. Ioaiswound in the formor. a spiralthe outer endofwhichis secured to the sid'er wall-24 of. a shallowy metal Contact cup2'2v carrying the element. the. cup being secured` to the inner endofthe ignitingunit I0. An automatic detent and contact. means comprisingaplurality ofY heat-responsive. bimetallic arms or clips-23'` areinsulatedlyY mountedon the end wall i5' ofthe shell IB'Wthinthe latterto act as wipertype. contactathe clipsV being arranged to grasp between.them with. wiping engagement the wall 2 I'v of. the cup. 22 when, the.igniting unitl Ill is moved to ad'eep energizing-.positionas shovvnin-Fig. 2.

According to the present invention, the igniting unit I0 is providedwith an improved supporting structure for engagement with the shell I3,and an improved contact means for connecting the shell I3 to the heatingelement Illa whereby current may be brought to the latter, and wherebywhen the igniting unit is in deep energizing position the cup 22 may becentralized with respect to the clips 23 so that the latter exertsubstantially equalized pressures on the cup, thereby providingsubstantially uniform current distribution to the clips.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the igniting unit I0 has a tubular body 24which may be molded of insulating material, the body adjacent its innerend having a peripherally extending shoulder 24a of a diameter to enablethe body to loosely t within the shell I3. At the inner end of the body24 a shallow cup 25 formed of sheet metal is mounted. The bottom of thecup 25 is apertured and extruded at 25a to provide a sleeve forreceiving a stud 23 extending through a central aperture in the bottomof the cup 22 and having a slotted head 23a secured to the inner end ofthe heating coil Illa., as by pinching and welding, or other suitablemeans.

As shown in Fig. 1, disks of insulation 2l and 28 are disposedrespectively between the heating element Ia and the bottom of the cup22,

and between the bottoms of the cups 22 and 25.

At the outer end of the tubular body 24 of the igniting unit a sheetmetal disk 25 is provided having a cupped central portion 29a extendinginto a central counterbore of the body 24. The outer end of the stud 26is threaded and provided with a nut 3u carrying a knob Ib, the nut beingscrewed tightly on the stud to clamp the tubular body 24 between thedisk 29 and cup 25, thereby holding these parts securely together.Preferably after this assembly, the end of the stud 23 is welded to thenut 3E! to prevent inadvertent loosening of the parts.

For supporting the igniting unit I0 in the shell I3 a drawn metal sleeve3| is provided having an outside diameter enabling the sleeve to looselyiit the inside of the shell, one end of the sleeve 3| having an inturnedflange 3Ia provided with a cylindrical edge portion 3Ib forming abearing sleeve loosely fitting about the outer cylindrical surface ofthe body 24. Also the disk 23 has a drawn cylindrical edge portion 29hat its periphery to function as a bearing surface for the inside of thesleeve 3| and to permit the latter to slide freely axially of the body24. The outer end of the sleeve 3| is flared outwardly to provide aflange 3 Ic for engagement with the flange I4 of the holder when theigniting unit is being supported in the latter.

For yieldably holding the sleeve 3| in a predetermined axial position,shown in Fig. 1, on the igniting unit I0, a helical compression spring32 is provided, one end of the spring engaging the inside of the disk 29and the other end engaging the flange 3ia of the sleeve 3 I.

According to this construction when the igniting unit I@ is beingsupported either in its shallow storage position or its deep energizingposition in the holder I I, the body 24 will be carried by the bearingsurfaces of the portions 3Ib and 29h respectively of the sleeve 3| anddisk 29 in a manner that the cup- 22 is permitted a limited movement inall directions laterally of its axis. This limited movement is madepossible due to the loose or sliding fits of the aforementioned bearingsurfaces between the sleeve 3| and inside of the shell I3 and betweenthe sleeve and body 24, and alsc because of the clearance providedbetween the periphery of the shoulder 24a of the body and the shell. Asa result, When the igniting unit IU is moved to the deep energizingposition shown in- Fig. 2 wherein the cup 22 is grasped between thebimetallic clips 23, the cup may be centralized in response to pressureexerted on it by said clips so that each of the latter will exertsubstantially the same pressure.

As provided by this invention, an improved con tact means is carried bythe igniting unit Il) for connecting one end of the heating element IOato the shell I3 when the unit is in energizing po sition, withoutmaterially disturbing or altering the equalized pressures of thebimetallic clips 23. This means comprises, in the embodiment shown, acontractible wire metal spring 33 carried in a groove 33a providedbetween the shoulder 24a of the body and the lip 25h of the cup 25. Asshown in Fig. l, the lip 25h of the cup 25 is folded inwardly back onitself to provide a double thickness, the inner edge of the foldedportion engaging the outer surface of the body 24 at its end so that thecup is thereby securely positioned on the body. The contractible ring 33is preferably formed with a slightly helical shape so that when it isconfined in the groove 33a it continually presses against the lip 25h ofthe cup, forming an efcient electrical connection thereto. Preferably,the sleeve portion 25a of the cup is welded to the stud 2li so that asecure electrical connection is thereby established between the cup 25and the inner end of the heating element Illa.

Referring to Fig. 2, the shell I3 of the holder is provided withresilient lanced lingers I3a, so that when the igniting unit I0 is inits deep energizing position the said fingers will be engaged by thecontractible ring 33, and the inside diameter of the latter issuiciently large so that the ring may loat on the igniting unit I0 orhave lateral movement in the groove 33a, substantially without urging orrestraint except for the fixed limits placed thereon by the dimensionsof ring 33 and groove 33a. As seen in Fig. 1, a clearance exists betweenthe inside diameter of the ring 33 and the outer surface of the body 24,and as a result of this clearance the ring may assume various positionsas determined by the pressures exerted on it by the resilient fingersI3a, without disturbing the centering of the contact cup 22 in thebimetallic clips 23 and without introducing any side loads on theigniting unit to upset the force balance between the clips 23.

Thus the automatic release of the igniting unit I il when the clips 23respond to heat from the heating element Illa will occur consistentlywithin a predetermined comparatively narrow temperature range of theelement. The degree of heat of the element I Ila is thereby closelycontrolled, and its life greatly extended as a result. Also, due to theuniform distribution of current in the bimetallic clips 23 because ofthe equalized pressure exerted by them on the cup 22, arcing will bereduced at the time of separation of the cup from the clips, and theefficiency of the electrical connection between the clips and cup willbe maintained over a considerable period of time. Therefore, theperformance of the lighter will generally be improved, and failures dueto pitting of the clips or burning out of the heating element will beconsiderably reduced, if not eliminated entirely.

In some instances when the lighter is installed on an instrument paneland the binding sleeve I3.

s:,screwed up." tightly, azslight deformity? ofzf the:v drawn shellwl3ziisrproduced-glwhich tends .tozthrowzf outof ^line1 the igniting .unitl pandztheibimetallic c1ips:23. Such deformity however; will ,not :adiverselyi affect `the operationfoi thexlighter. of this; invention:since. substantial` clearancesa are :proi-V vided between thesupporting'parts .oftheigniting unit .and holder, andisince:theifloating contact'. ring :33 :carriedby the:ignitin'graunit.permitsseli alignment of the cup 22without'.undesirable'sidei loads in response to .the pressures. of theLbimetallic clipsi23.l

According to-.the vpresent invention. the con 1 tractible ,ring..33uandLth'e supporting `sleeve 3l Iof 5' theigniting unit i IJ arecombinedivith a structure I of fthe-shell I 3.' tov provide: an?"vimproved'. detent"l means .for holdingthe ignitin'g'unit in its shallowstorage: position in',` the holder: while also permitting quickand'.convenientreinsertion. of the unit after use, andalso forpreventinginadvertent i' ejection of the'unit .from theholder when,after` energization', itiisxreleased bythe. clips 23 and automaticallyreturned to shallow-lposition.`

Accordingly, aszshown .in Figs. 1, Z'Iand-l," the shell, I3Y isembossed. to .provide a `plurality oi raisedportions l3bl'on itsinside,extending lon-v gitudinally from a :pointfadjacent the ange i4 towardthe .inside end of. the shell 'and terrninat`VV ing, as'shown 5inl Fig.1,'v just short oi `the positionA the contractiblelringLSS-'assumes whenthe ignit-f in'gunit.' l' is in its .shallow Istorage position.- Theoutside diameter vof the sleeve:VV 3 l is" suiii'-lv ciently small toVpermit it to loosely 'rit :inside :of the raisedfportions 13b; andthediameter oifthe-- contractible: .ring 33 I is` large e enough so that'the ring is .compressed land friction'ally engages: the.'` raisedportions 13b.. during.y passage ofv the ring past said portions attheltimefof reinsertionof the igniting unit" lil; ThisA frictional.engageament yieldablyresistszthe reinser-tion'of thefunit', f

the resistancehowever being comparatively'sli'ght so that a smoothreplacingmovement may be had:- During reinsertion of :the-ignitingffunit atrlthef instant that the .contractible ring.Y 33reaches'th'e# inner terminationpoint ofthe raisedfportions i371.: thering will'expand quickly and strike the inneri cylindrical wallxofftheshell :l 3;. producingffa dis s tinctly` audible click.;.. The1.1'esistanceA offered Lby. the ring lisltherebyceases; but atthisifpointthe.' ange 3100i thesleeve 3|' engages ther ange |43' oftheholder, thereby againprovidihg. 'a Yyieldingzlr resistance to :further:inserting-movement 'of the-- ignitiing` unit.

The resistance provided byengagementxotthef said flanges-.3 l'c .and-I 4fisc oi'afdiierentf nature from that voffered byf'the .iring 33,1since.v irthei. igniting-unit 'l0 iismoved 'further into-the holder?.after. engagement of: the Y fiangesy. therspring 132-2 will becompressed and the y'resista'nces toirnovee ment will correspondinglyincrease.. As aresult. of: this action the .ignitingfuriit 'is preventedfrom? overshooting to anyfsubstantial zexte'ntfitszstorage t position atthe timeof reinserti'on;V Althoughathei action is notthatota -positivesto'p,. ai definite stopping effect iszl'produced,Sdthatireinsertionpfel the igniting unitimayfbeiouickly and convene#iently eiected withoutuncertainty astoundesiraa.. ble overshooting.

It willbe noted that;` for v'the `storage vpositionA of the .ignitingunit, a` substantial. clearance ris.: provided between the ends of.theclips 23 andthe lip-of the cup 22', as shownrin Figxl and slighteun'avoidable overshooting of the unit would .notbel suiicient tofcause'actual;contactib'etweenz the clipsl and .the.cup.1 Therefrearcing.doesnotaoca cury at these Ypoints .duringreinser'tion of .theigniting;unit, and-a cleanrcon'ditionofl' the clips'is' element nl UaAbecomesahotfand. the :clips 323- release` the -.igniting unit, the. spring 32'will' automatically` snapthe unit; back :tothe shallowpositionshowninr"Fig...1.`. When the .unit reaches' thisposition. the;contractiblering 3ft-will strike thelend-walls.. I3czof .the raised portionsl 3b,therebyreStraining '1 the` unit and! preventing itilironir. being.ejectedV from the holder.

Totfurther-insuref against the :spring 32l-ejecting theignitinglunitfrom the holder after' release Y ofthe unit,` the .raisedportions l l3b-vof lthe shell arefprovded. with=transverse grooves Y l3d. Thus;- ifwtheforce impartedto the ignitingunit by the:

spring:A `32 should be -A sufcient to overcome the initialv restraintcaused-by engagement of the ring SBS-with.' theV walls .13a-when theringvreaches the grooves i3d, it will? forcibly expand and abut the uwallsof these groovesgproviding added resistance which Aisin all casessuiicient to prevent further expulsion ofthe unit.'-

According tothe present invention-'fan im-` proved and simplifiedmeans'iforv insulating thev stud 26 fromv the cup 22-is provided.Referring to-Fig. i the-insulating disk 21 fis preferably made ofdeformable material such asmica, and theA underside of -the head 26aofthe studL is-'provided with a taper for 'engaging theporti'onsy ofthey diskladjacentlthe central 'aperture therein.v

. disk" 2i; whichlatter aperture preferably'close;

ly -t`s the-diameter'ofwthe shank of the stud 26.

t may beJ seen that if the -headf26a of the studisfforced against theinsulating disk 2l,l itwill-cause -portionsof 'the latter adjacent thecentral 4aperture-therein to be deformed and to' enter theaperture inthe bottom of the cup 22. This automatically centralizes'the'stud withrespect to the cup'y and'alsoinsulates it therefrom.' Aiter'th'e head ofthestud has thus been' Aforced against `the -f'disk vv2l Vand seated-thewelding of the sleeve portion 25a"of the c up 25 to the stud 26islperformed, so that a rigid assembly of the cups, vheating elementandstud is obtained.v

Theresis thus prevented. the' likelihood of a short circuit occurringbetween-'the stud 26 and the* cup22,` and the useful life'of theligh'teris therebyv prolonged.

The-invention also provides a novel and simplirledassemblyio'i'flmounting thebimetallic clips :23in'side the shell|3`,`this`assembly comprising comparatively:fewparts rigidly securedtogether either bygriveting or welding-so thatvibration and usage maynot loosen'lormisalign the parts andv adversely aiectthe-operation 'ofthe lighter.

Referring to Fig.3,thebimetallic clips 23 Yhave baseportions 23d`extending `radially toward the other.

portions ZScJadapted 1to1 abut thelip oi .thecup 221'if "the ignitingunitis moved-past -deep energizing position. ThebaseportionsV 23a of theclips are welded,j preferably each'rat two points .indcate'dby the 'msin Fig. 3, to fthe-sup# f porting plate 2319; the 'latter being in'turnwelded f toa stud. 311y extending lthrough the end Wall l5 of theshell-13. VAsseeriin Figs. 1fandf2,'the'stud 34.'.isscentralizediin andinsulatedfrom-y the 'endwall I5 by a molded insulating washer 35 hav--ing ashoulder 35a extending into a central aperture in the end wall.

To provide for accurate assembly of the stud 34, supporting plate 23hand clips 23, the stud is provided with a central projection 34aextending through a central aperture in the plate 23h and projectingslightly beyond the plate. Also, the base portions 23a of the bimetallicclips are cut away along a circle to lt against and abut Vthe projection34a of the stud. According to this construction, at the time that thesupporting plate 23h is welded to the stud, the two pieces Will beaccurately positioned, as will also the bimetallic clips at the timethey are welded to the supporting plate.

In order to provide a rigid mounting for the stud 34 on the end Wall I5of the shell, the bottom I8 of the threaded cup i6 is pierced andextruded to provide a sleeve portion I8a through which the stud 34extends. A shouldered insulating washer 36 is provided on the outer endof the stud 34 and the latter laid over on the Washer so as to securelyhold the stud in place.

The shoulder of the washer 36 extends into the sleeve portion I8 r` ofthe cup I6, thereby centralizing the stud 34 in the cup and insulatingit therefrom. Electrical connection is made to the stud 34 by means of athreaded pin 3l screwed into the bore of the stud, which latter is alsothreaded for this purpose. By this construction the stud 34 is securelyrigidly mounted on the end wall I5 and insulated by the washers 35 and36, and since the end of the stud is laid over on the washer 36, theparts cannot become loosened due to vibration, severe handling andusage. Also, by welding the stud 34, supporting plate 23b and baseportions 23a of the clips into a rigid unit, the likelihood of theseparts be coming loosened and operating in a defective manner isconsiderably reduced. Preferably, the projection 34a of the stud 34 isalso welded to the base portions 23a of the bimetallic clips to furtherreinforce the mounting of the latter. It will be noted that theperiphery of the supporting plate 23h is cut away to provide clearancefor the bimetallic clips 23, so that the latter may have iree movementat all times.

To provide for correct positioning of the clips 23 in the shell I3 theend wall I5 of the latter is lanced to provide a projection I5aextending into a recess-35h in the insulating washer 35. Also, a lug 33his formed on the supporting plate 23h, extending into a recess 35e inthe washer 35. Further clearance for the bimetallic arms 23 is providedby punching apertures 53d in the shell I3.

To further provide for more reliable operation of the lighter over anextended period oi time, the invention provides heat-conning means forenclosing the space about the mouth of the cup 22, to cause thebimetallic clips 23 to respond more reliably to heating of the elementlila. This means comprises the peripheral portions 23e of thesupper-ting plate Z3b, these portions being circularly extended as shownin Figs.A 2

and 3 so that they serve to prevent direct radiation of heat -from theelement lila into the surrounding atmosphere. The heat waves strikingthe portions 23o are reflected and also absorbed and conducted totheclips 23, resulting in more heat being applied to these latter andthereby causing them to more reliably respond to heating of the elementIlla. As a result, there is avoided excessive lag in the response of thearms 23 to heating of the element Illa, so that the latter does notbecome overheated and suffer shortened life as a result.

Variations and modications may be made vwithin the scope of thisinvention and portions of the improvements may be used without others.

I claim:

1. In a cigar lighter, the combination of a plug-type igniting unithaving a heating element and a circular contact member at one end; aholder comprising a tubular shell slidably receiving and supporting theigniting unit with a loose sliding fit; a contractible ring floatablymounted on the igniting unit for frictionally engaging the inside of theshell to hold the unit against inadvertent removal from the holder; and

contact clip rigidly carried in said shell, embracing said circularcontact member and laterally positioning the igniting unit thereby withthe periphery oi the igniting unit in the vicinity of said ring spacedfrom said shell over at least the major portion of its circumference,said floatable mounting for the ring preventing the latter frominterfering with the lateral positioning of the unit by said contactclip.

2. In a cigar lighter, a plug-type igniting unit having a heatingelement; a holder comprising a tubular shell slidably receiving andsupporting the igniting unit in a deep energizing position and in ashallow non-energizing position; and a contractible ring carried by theigniting unit for irictionally engaging the inside of the shell to holdthe unit against inadvertent removal from the holder, said shell havingon the inside thereof intermediate its ends and extending inwardly to alocation short of that occupied by said ring when said unit is in deepposition, a nonyielding raised portion for engaging and compressing thecontractible ring whereby a yieldable detent action is provided by suchengagement, a part of the shell between said location and the locationof said ring when the unit is in* deep position having insidecross-dimensions substantially equal in magnitude to the expanded out.side diametric dimensions oi' the ring so that movement of the ignitingunit is not restrained when the ring is located in said part of theshell;

3. In a cigar lighter, a plug-type igniting unit having a heatingelement; a holder comprising a tubular shell slidably receiving, andsupporting the igniting unit; heat-responsive detent means comprising aclip rigidly carried in the shell in' heat-receiving relation with theheating element and engaging the igniting unit when the latter is placedin a deep energizing position in the holder, for yieldably embracing andholding the unit in said position, said clip laterally positionl ing theigniting unit; means for conducting current to the heating element whenthe igniting unit is in said deep energizing position, saidheatresponsive means releasing the igniting unit in response to heatfrom the heating element; means for automatically moving the ignitingunit, when released. to a shallow non-energizing position in 5 theholder; and a, contractible ring floatably mounted on the igniting unitfor frictional enef gagement with the holder, the inside of the latterhaving a raised portion for engagement with said ring when the ignitingunit is moved to said sha1- low position whereby the unit isyieldablyre-l` strained fromK4 inadvertently leaving the holder; thefloating mounting of the ring preventing the latter from interferingwith the lateral positioning of the unit by said clip.

4. In a cigar lighter, a plug-type igniting unit

